Firstly , I'll use this post as an excuse to show the magnificent Templeborough 1916 badge (originally posted by DD).
Regarding the 'unofficial' OWS badges , remember these were produced for 'local' work forces and apart from the obvious "white feather" connection there would also be other reasons.
The badges would show that a factory/company/worker was being "patriotic" and would also be a subtle advertisement . A 'fancy' or easily identifiable badge would be good P.R for a company.
While we may struggle with the various initials , I would think that they would be very well known in the towns/cities where they were worn. An Edinburgh company produced shells, submarine and aircraft parts, tank and electrical equipment such as mobile search lights and minesweeping units , Bruce Peebles & Co. , I don't know if they issued badges but how many people apart from Scots would connect BP&Co. with them ? (I lived less than 1 mile from the factory).
Another point to consider is the number of these badges that were issued/produced , some small /specialist companies may have only had 10-20 workers so might produce better badges . The very large firms with thousands of workers may have kept to basic badges to keep costs down.
Initially the 'unofficial' badges would be a source of 'local' pride and the definitions of "protected occupations" was pretty vague until proper control and regulation was introduced with the 1915 badge. The abuse of the 'unofficial' badges was a major reason for them being banned and conscription also reduced the eligibilty of many workers to claim "protected" status.